Planner I

yakimacounty; Washington; On-site; USD 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Yakima County Public Services, Planning Division, seeks a Planner I to provide experienced professional planning expertise on routine to moderately complex development projects and to support public outreach and education efforts.

The position requires an associate degree or two-year certificate and two years of planning-related experience; a US driver's license is required. Proficiency in land use planning and SEPA/GMA topics is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or two-year technical certificate in planning-related field and two years' experience in planning, permitting, or related environment.
• US Driver's License at time of appointment.
• General employment verification.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Experience with Washington land use law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide policy information and technical assistance to the public, agencies and county staff on plans and regulations.
• Conduct planning analyses for routine to moderately complex development projects.
• Coordinate with other agencies and prepare final written analyses.
• Support public education and outreach related to land use and growth management.

Skills

Policy analysis

Public outreach

Communication

Customer service

Education

Associate Degree in Planning or related field

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

GIS software

MS Office

Job description

The mission of Yakima County Government is to provide accessible, responsive and responsible public service through leadership and teamwork committed to understanding and meeting public needs.

Our Values:

• Integrity
• Common Sense
• Innovation
• Accountability

Position Data:

• Planner I-J23-U30-H
• Regular
• Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)

Overview:

Pay Range: $28.67 - $36.36 per hour (CTP Pay Plan, B25 Step 1-13)

Hiring Range: $28.67 - $30.43 per hour (CTP Pay Plan, B25 Step 1-4 DOQ)

Job Closing Date: October 30, 2026

There is one Planner I opening with Yakima County Public Services, Planning Division. This position provides experienced professional planning expertise and recommendations on routine to moderately complex development projects and other assignments; provides technical assistance to the public and acts as a resource for Section or Division within area(s) of expertise; participates in plan and regulatory updates; special studies, public outreach and education efforts for one of three divisions: natural resource planning and environmental protection, land use and development, and/or long range growth management planning.

Benefits included in position:

• Health Care Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life and Basic LTD)
• Retirement Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave

Note: This position is a Yakima County Public Services Department Clerical, Technical & Professional Employees Group Bargaining Unit Position.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies that occur within 90 days of the closing of this position. (This excludes Yakima County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections)

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

Provides policy information and technical assistance to the public, agencies and county staff relating to: plans, policies, ordinances, standards, regulatory and non-regulatory programs, federal and state statutes and administrative codes governing land development, transportation, environmental protection and growth management, within area(s) of assignment or expertise.

Performs, conducts or assists with planning analyses related to processing of routine to moderately complex new development project applications. Duties include: initial project review with customer, completeness review, preparation of required notices, YCWRS, SEPA review, project review and coordinating with other agencies / organizations and drafting of final written analyses.

Drafts and assists in preparing Department goals, policies, planning, programming and/or regulatory options and updates, and other project assignments for review by Section/Division management or others.

Develops, coordinates and participates in public education/outreach efforts and special studies related to land use, transportation, environmental and natural resource planning issues and other program or project assignments. Schedules and facilitates meetings and provides technical expertise to organizations and media as needed.

Performs other duties as required including site inspections and may participate in public hearings.

Education and Experience:

Associate Degree or two-year technical certificate in Land Survey and Construction Design, Engineering, Geography, Geology, Geographic Information Services, Real Estate, paralegal or a field directly related to the area(s) of assignment AND two (2) years' experience in the areas of permitting, code enforcement, real estate, architecture, land development, planning, engineering, construction or related industry environment functioning in a professional or administrative or program / project support role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

NOTE: This would be defined as a High School Diploma/GED and four (4) years of experience functioning in a professional or administrative or program/project support role in the areas of permitting, code enforcement, administrative support, program coordination, project management, real estate, architecture, land development, planning, engineering, construction or related industry environment.

Required:

US Driver's License at time of appointment; and, successful completion of general employment verification.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree
• bilingual in Spanish
• Experience with Washington State land use and environmental protection law
• Specialized training in environmental or natural resource issues, projects (SEPA, GMA, Critical Areas, Shorelines)
• Additional degrees, professional certifications, recognitions, awards and licenses that demonstrate acquisition and application of the required knowledge, and abilities to be successful in this position are preferred.

Equipment Used:

Telephone, computer, calculator, audiovisual equipment, copy machine, fax machine, typewriter, microf